The campus of Grand Rapids Community College, where new leadership begins.
Steven J. Triezenberg has been appointed as the interim president of Grand Rapids Community College, effective May 12, 2023. His appointment follows the departure of Charles Lepper, with Triezenberg expected to provide stability during the search for a permanent president. He brings over 30 years of experience in higher education and a strong background in academia, previously serving as president of the Van Andel Institute Graduate School. The GRCC Board of Trustees unanimously chose Triezenberg, reaffirming their confidence in his leadership capabilities during this transitional period.
Steven J. Triezenberg has been appointed as the interim president of Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), effective May 12, 2023. He succeeds Lisa Freiburger, who took on the role following the resignation of Charles Lepper, who left the position after being placed on paid leave in March 2023. The GRCC Board of Trustees has not disclosed the specifics surrounding Lepper’s departure.
The announcement of Triezenberg’s appointment was made by Brandy Lovelady Mitchell, chair of the GRCC Board of Trustees. Triezenberg is expected to provide stability during this transitional period as the board conducts a national search for a permanent president starting this summer. The board expressed confidence in Triezenberg’s leadership capabilities in navigating the college during this interim phase.
Triezenberg brings over 30 years of experience in higher education to the role. Prior to this appointment, he served as president of the Van Andel Institute Graduate School, a position he held until his retirement in June 2023. He played a crucial role in establishing this graduate school in 2006 and led it successfully until his recent retirement.
A native of Grand Rapids, Triezenberg holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and education from Calvin College and a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology from the University of Michigan. He further enhanced his qualifications by completing postdoctoral training at the Carnegie Institution of Washington. Additionally, Triezenberg has a notable academic background as a faculty member in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Michigan State University from 1987 to 2006.
Lisa Freiburger, Triezenberg’s predecessor in the interim position, previously served as the vice president for finance and administration at GRCC. Freiburger took over the role of interim president after Lepper’s leave and was set to conclude her leadership with her retirement at the end of May 2023. This leadership transition comes at a critical time for the college, as the board seeks to ensure continuity and strong governance.
The GRCC Board of Trustees has initiated a process to find a permanent president for the college, signaling its commitment to a stable and informed leadership going forward. The decision to appoint Triezenberg was reached through a unanimous vote by the board, reflecting their trust in his ability to steer the institution during this interim period.
Triezenberg’s appointment marks a significant step for GRCC as it navigates the complexities of a leadership transition. His extensive experience and connection to the West Michigan community position him uniquely to fulfill the responsibilities of the interim president while the board seeks a suitable candidate for the permanent role.
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